Magic: 5 ways Netflix’s animated series can be awesome

Here are five things Magic needs to do to be the next binging obsession

In June of last year, a series based on the strategy card game Magic: The Gathering was announced by Netflix. The streaming giant revealed on Twitter they would be collaborating with Magic publisher Wizards of the Coast and the Russo Brothers on an animated series.

Magic: the Gathering (MTG) is a collectible card game that depicts the battles between wizards of god-like power called Planeswalkers in a multiverse of worlds. Conceived by Richard Garfield and produced by Wizards of the Coast (WotC) in 1993; MTG was a watershed moment in card game design and to this day is still the most popular trading card game worldwide.

Joe Russo had some updates in an interview with Collider in April of this year, and head Magic designer Mark Rosewater gave some vague comments to Cracked back in January. Until more details come from any of the parties involved, it’s anyone’s guess what the first television offering from Magic: The Gathering will end up looking like.

There’s no shortage of content to watch on Netflix for now. Until we get more details from the Russo’s, Netflix or WotC, let’s sound off on what we hope they’re thinking about in the writers’ room.

5. Look at what’s come before

Magic: the Gathering may have a ton of name recognition, but this will be the first time anyone is trying a series based on the game. Good examples to study include Avatar: The Last Airbender (which is getting another attempt at live-action with Netflix) and The Dragon Prince. Both shows feature large fantasy worlds with rival kingdoms and different flavors of magic users. (In Avatar it’s called bending, but functionally it’s indistinguishable from magic.)

The Russo’s should take note of how these series’ handled different types of magic, geopolitical relationships between regions/kingdoms, and presenting heavy themes to children and young adults (MTG is enjoyed by players 13 and older). The above-mentioned shows have paved the way for Magic’s entrance to TV.

4. Invest in artists/animators that can bring Magic to life

Magic players can go on and on about the many levels of strategy and deck building, but the artwork of the cards is nothing to sneeze at either. One area Netflix can’t afford to spare expenses on would be the design and animation of the spells, creatures and worlds featured in the game. Most people who have never played, but know Magic by name probably remember liking the artwork on the upper half of each card. If Netflix’s series looks like any generic fantasy setting it will be a huge disservice to the art that brings the game to life in the minds of the players.

3. Card names, abilities and rules should take a back seat to story and world building

Dedicated players might appreciate direct references to popular cards and stories from the game, but the average viewer is not looking for a Black Lotus shoutout. The rules and systems in MTG were made for a card game, they don’t have anything to do with making a 8-10 episode narrative. The writers can avoid an early stumbling block to a MTG series by eschewing the idea that the show must be a literal 1-to-1 adaptation of the game.

"“We have a top-notch team working on this. Literally, [the show’s executive producers, the Russo Brothers of Avengers: Endgame fame] directed the highest-grossing movie of all time, and their next project is working with us! I think the audience is just going to adore it. I think it’s something that’ll bring people who don’t know Magic to Magic, which is really exciting.”– Mark Rosewater (Magic, Head Designer)"

• Via Cracked.

2. Don’t make the main characters Planeswalkers

In every game of Magic, each player’s deck of cards represents one of the Planeswalkers involved in an epic battle across the multiverse. Planeswalkers are many times more powerful than a typical protagonist like Harry Potter or Luke Skywalker. Even a powerful being like Voldemort or Emperor Palpatine doesn’t come close.

Planeswalkers are magic users born as mortals who eventually become powerful enough to leave their planet or ‘plane’ (hence the name), and venture elsewhere in the multiverse, continuing to build power and influence. Trying to make Planeswalkers the protagonists of the story would be like trying to do A Wrinkle in Time with Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which as the protagonists. Imagine The Lord of the Rings where every character in the fellowship is as powerful as Sauron.

1. Keep the story and stakes small

The writers should keep the show’s focus on a close group of relatable characters with a mission or quest that hints at a larger plot, without packing in too much for the audience to learn. So far, things seem to be on the right track with the decision to make a series rather than a film. The multiverse of Magic is nearly limitless and a single three-act film structure wouldn’t really do it justice. A universe with nearly-immortal planet-hopping super-wizards is going to take time to make approachable. Save the giant all-hands-on-deck battle for the fate of the multiverse for the last season. For now, keep the action grounded and give us characters we will invest in.

The series is expected on Netflix sometime in 2021. Are you excited for a show based on Magic: The Gathering? What are your thoughts on how a show should be made?

Other than a placeholder on Netflix and a promise of a 2021 release, Netflix and all parties involved have kept quiet on plot or character details.